Police were called to Elm Park Primary School, in Havering, East London, on Saturday after a gang stormed the hall and two people, aged 19 and 16, suffered injuries
The headteacher of a school where two teenagers were stabbed as other youngsters ran for their lives has spoken of her “shock”.
Police rushed to Elm Park Primary School, in Havering, East London, just after 9pm on Saturday after a group of knife-wielding gangs stormed the hall, which was holding a private birthday party. Reports suggested more than 50 youths armed with knives and machetes ran into the school and the fighting allegedly lasted until 11pm before three teens were arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers. A 16-year old boy and a 19-year old boy suffered suspected knife injuries, Essex Live reported.
Victoria Morris, executive headteacher of Elm Park Primary School, said: “We were shocked to hear of a disturbance at a private birthday party in our hall over the weekend. This was a private hire and the people involved were not known to us.
“No one was injured on the school premises and we have carried out thorough checks to ensure that pupils could safely return to school this morning. We have successfully let our premises to the local community for years and have stringent protocols in place.
“We have written to local residents and parents to give them our assurances of this and we have also decided that the hall will no longer be let out for evening events. The incident is currently a police matter and we are helping with their enquiries.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called shortly after 21:00hrs on Saturday, 22 March to reports of a fight involving a group on Calbourne Avenue, Hornchurch.
“Officers attended before engaging with a number of teenagers who became aggressive toward them.
“Three teenagers were arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault on emergency workers. They were taken to an East London police station.
“They were bailed to return for questioning later today. The officers were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service medics and do not require hospital treatment.
“Separately, two individuals, including a 16-year old male and a 19-year old male sustained suspected knife injuries and were taken to hospital where their injuries were deemed neither life changing nor life threatening.
“They continue to assist police with their enquiries.
“An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 6940/22March. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to our dedicated appeal page.”
